Monday, November 02, 2009

November: Another season begins


Of the dozen months, I like November the most, and not because it brings another birthday for me. Because after 50, a birthday is just another day when you are reminded that from now onwards, every year, the candles are going to cost more than the cake. In fact, every birthday after 50 brings in a contradictory message: that you must rush if you wish to slow down!

New seasons
I like November because it is the month that rolls in yet another new Indian racing season. Fresh meets start at Calcutta and Hyderabad as soon as the calendar leaf is turned over, to be immediately followed by Mysore and Bangalore when lovely winter chill refreshes the morning air across the country. And before these seasons get barely out of the gates, begins the most prestigious and glamourous racing campaign in the land at Mahalaxmi in Mumbai.

Fresh beginnings
November is also the time full of dreams and hopes--not only for professionals like trainers and jockeys, but also for every race lover. Almost every railbird is part horse lover and part gambler, and November, in a way, offers him a chance to make "New Season" resolutions about his racing approach.

Not repeating the mistakes of the past, being more responsible with money and learning new handicapping skills are top priority items. Memories of years of failed attempts don't dampen the gambler's spirit, because his eyes are already twinkling with a new light coming from that proverbial 'pot o' gold' beyond the rainbow. Narrowly missed opportunities from the last year to hit the jackpot are taken as proof that with little help from the goddess of luck this year, he will be taking that pot home.

I strongly believe every successful gambler must first be a successful dreamer. Because unless the heart is set alight by a strong desire to beat this most difficult game, the gods of wisdom rarely grant any favours. And when wisdom comes, good fortune quickly follows. Remember, luck smiles more often on the wise.

New resolutions
And if, on the occasion of this another fresh November, I have to recommend two acts of wisdom for the readers of my blog, the first would be "keep records", and the other would be "cultivate patience".

Keep meticulous records of all your bets. Write down the date, center, race#, horse name, type of bet (win, place or whatever), reason for bet (why you like the horse), bet amount, odds (or payout), result (win or loss), and cash situation of betting capital. If you can store the data in excel, you can later use its features like 'Auto Filter' for a very revealing insight into yourself. There is no better tool for self-analysis than keeping meticulous records.

Equally important is to cultivate patience. Remember even Sachin Tendulkar would not be a great batsman if he swung his bat at every ball. Don't try to do what he can't do. "Don't swing at every pitch," is the advice best baseball coaches give to their protege, and there is great truth in it.

Good luck.

6 comments:

  1. What's your birthday Prakash? Your profile says you're a Sagittarius so its got to be after 23rd nov. By the way thnx for another good article. A question - are you going to continue with finoo forthe new season?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dear Mr Prakash,

    Let the GOD decorate each GOLDEN RAY OF THE SUN reaching u with wishes of Success, Happiness and prosperity 4 U. Best of Luck for finoo for upcoming season...

    Regards,
    Ashish

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  3. Dear Prakash,
    Yet another very good article.Thank you. You are speaking about patience but I am asking you about tips. If you are not going to give Finoo selections for Hyd,MYS of this week what should I do?.You are giving Finoo selections for Honkong races what is the use of it for we people?.I request you to kindly give Finoo to us otherwise we are going to loss money.
    With regards.
    Naren.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dear ALL,
    Thanks.

    An official announcement about FINOO will be made, in detail, on this blog this week.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Mr.Prakash,
    Thanks for the finoo,
    please continue giving tips which are the most reliable.
    Advance B'day wishes, may the almighty lord shower all the happiness on you life long.
    Wishing you a very very long life &
    happiness and peace life long.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Prakash,

    I agree with Naren. Though you might have a purpose to post your FINOO selections for Hong Kong races, for ordinary railbirds like me, your FINOO selections for Indian races would be of immense help. Glad that you will be continuing with your FINOO selection.

    Here is wishing all patrons a remunerative season

    ReplyDelete

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A sincere appeal by Prakash Gosavi, blog owner